AFJ: Confirmation of Judge Ronnie White rights an historic wrong

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 16, 2014: Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron released this statement today in response to Senate confirmation of Judge Ronnie White to serve as a judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

Today, the Senate has done justice in every sense of the term. Senators rectified a profound injustice done long ago to Ronnie White and, more importantly, to the people of Missouri.

President Clinton first nominated White to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri more than 14 years ago. He had an outstanding record as the first African American judge of the Missouri Supreme Court. But his nomination fell victim to partisan attacks that grossly distorted his judicial record.

But by renominating Judge White, President Obama gave the Senate a chance to right an historic wrong. The senators who confirmed Judge White have done just that.

This vote also illustrates the importance of last year’s changes to Senate rules. Given the Republican track record on judicial nominations in general – and this one in particular – it’s not clear that Judge White would have been confirmed if not for reforms allowing a simple majority vote to end a filibuster.

Alliance for Justice is a national association of over 100 organizations, representing a broad array of groups committed to progressive values and the creation of an equitable, just, and free society. Through our justice programs, we lead the progressive community in the fight for a fair judiciary, and through our advocacy programs, we help nonprofits and foundations to realize their advocacy potential. Learn more about Alliance for Justice at afj.org.